Fremont County has Rash of Homicides

Laramie, Wy – Five homicides have been recorded so far this year in Fremont County. That's a lot for a Wyoming county with 36-thousand people. County Coroner Ed McAuslan says this is the worst year for homicides in his 29 years on the job - and there is no explanation or quick solution for the spike. The most recent homicide was that of 22-month-old Marcella HopeYellowbear, of Riverton. The girl's mother, Macalia Blackburn, wasarrested last week. On June 26th, 18-year-old William Jevon Antelope, of Riverton,died of a stab wound. Two Riverton brothers have been charged. On April 15th, 39-year-old Tammy Watts, of Hudson, was slain atthe Wyoming Honor Farm where she worked. No one has been charged,but an inmate who is suspected remains in custody. Thirty-year-old Bryan St. Clair, of Fort Washakie, was found ina road January 23rd with a slashed throat. He died at Lander ValleyMedical Center and no one has been charged. On January 24th, 25-year-old Willis Shavehead, of Ethete, wasstabbed in Riverton. Two men have been charged in his death.